Basal cell carcinoma mimicking rhinophyma. Case report and literature review

An 82-year-old man presented with rapid enlargement of a long-standing rhinophyma. Following an uncomplicated excision of rhinophyma, histologic examination showed that the enlargement was entirely due to basal cell carcinoma. Radiotherapy was administered, and the nose has now healed satisfactorily. There are few reports of an association between rhinophyma and basal cell carcinoma; but it is claimed that it occurs more frequently than is expected by chance. The evidence for this is reviewed. Previous reports were anecdotal or contained biases that prevent generalization of the results and, in addition, a statistical analysis was incorrect. There is insufficient evidence to claim an association between basal cell carcinoma and rhinophyma.